Saint Paul Public Library Offers World Language Storytimes in Hmong, Somali, and Spanish this Summer

Date: 07/21/2011

SAINT PAUL, MN - Saint Paul Public Library will offer world language storytimes in Hmong, Somali, and Spanish at various library locations this summer.

According to the 2010 census, 44 percent of Saint Paul's 285,068 residents belong to a minority group - and a significant portion of these residents speak languages other than English in their homes.

World language storytimes are designed for children who speak Hmong, Somali, and Spanish at home and their parents or caregivers, as well as organizations serving children and families.

Storytimes offer a valuable listening and pre-reading experience for children of all ages and support early literacy, which has been shown to be vitally important for a child's future and aid later school achievement.

World Language Storytimes at Saint Paul Public Library:

Hora de cuentos/Spanish Storytimes are designed for children ages 2 and up to help families or caregivers get children ready to read.

Sun Ray Library, Mondays, 11 a.m.

2105 Wilson Ave., St. Paul, 651-501-6300

Riverview Library, Mondays, 6:30 p.m.

1 E. George St., St. Paul, 651-292-6626

West Seventh Library, Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

265 Oneida St., St. Paul, 651-298-5516

Arlington Hills Library, Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.

1105 Greenbrier St., St. Paul, 651-793-3930

Sheeko Xariiro/Somali Storytime for children ages 2 and up share books, stories, rhymes, and music in Somali.

Rondo Library, Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.

461 N. Dale St., St. Paul, 651-266-7400

Sun Ray Library, Thursdays, 11 a.m. (starting July 14)

2105 Wilson Ave., St. Paul, 651-501-6300

Nyeem Ntawv Hmoob Lom Zem/Reading in Hmong is fun storytimes provide interactive activities to support children's interest in reading & speaking in Hmong. These story times will include reading stories, listening to music, dancing, and learning the Hmong language.